Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc. Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 29 (Monday, February 12, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 5899-5901]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-02356]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-0811; Product Identifier 2017-NM-068-AD; Amendment 
39-19184; AD 2018-03-11]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc. Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
Bombardier, Inc., Model CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700, 701, & 
702) airplanes; Model CL-600-2D15 (Regional Jet Series 705) airplanes; 
Model CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900) airplanes; and Model CL-
600-2E25 (Regional Jet Series 1000) airplanes. This AD was prompted by 
a report of rudder yoke components that had not been properly inspected 
at the supplier. This AD requires replacement of the left and right 
rudder yoke assemblies. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective March 19, 2018.

[[Page 5900]]

    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of March 19, 
2018.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Bombardier, Inc., 400 C[ocirc]te Vertu Road West, Dorval, 
Qu[eacute]bec H4S 1Y9, Canada; Widebody Customer Response Center North 
America toll-free telephone: 1-866-538-1247 or direct-dial telephone: 
1-514-855-2999; fax: 514-855-7401; email: [email protected]; 
internet: http://www.bombardier.com. You may view this referenced 
service information at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 1601 Lind 
Avenue SW, Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221. It is also available on the 
internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating 
Docket No. FAA-2017-0811.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-
0811; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket 
contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The street address for the Docket Office (telephone: 
800-647-5527) is Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Aziz Ahmed, Airframe and Mechanical 
Systems Section, FAA, New York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 
410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone: 516-228-7329; fax: 516-794-5531.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Bombardier, Inc., 
Model CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700, 701, & 702) airplanes; 
Model CL-600-2D15 (Regional Jet Series 705) airplanes; Model CL-600-
2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900) airplanes; and Model CL-600-2E25 
(Regional Jet Series 1000) airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal 
Register on September 13, 2017 (82 FR 42955) (``the NPRM''). The NPRM 
was prompted by a report of rudder yoke components that had not been 
properly inspected at the supplier. The NPRM proposed to require 
replacement of the left and right rudder yoke assemblies. We are 
issuing this AD to prevent a cracked rudder yoke, which may affect 
rudder function on the affected side and could result in difficulties 
in maneuvering the airplane.
    Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the aviation 
authority for Canada, has issued Canadian AD CF-2017-10, dated February 
27, 2017 (referred to after this as the Mandatory Continuing 
Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe 
condition for certain Bombardier, Inc., Model CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet 
Series 700, 701, & 702) airplanes; Model CL-600-2D15 (Regional Jet 
Series 705) airplanes; Model CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900) 
airplanes; and Model CL-600-2E25 (Regional Jet Series 1000) airplanes. 
The MCAI states:

    Bombardier Aerospace has informed Transport Canada that a number 
of rudder yoke components were received which had not been properly 
inspected at the supplier. The rudder yoke supplier discovered that 
the crack detection inspection was omitted following the 
manufacturing of some components. A cracked rudder yoke may affect 
rudder function on the affected side and could result in 
difficulties in maneuvering the aeroplane.
    This [Canadian] AD was issued to mandate the replacement of the 
left and right rudder yoke assemblies.

    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-
0811.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this final rule. We considered the comment received. The Air Line 
Pilots Association, International supported the NPRM.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment received, and 
determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
this AD as proposed except for minor editorial changes. We have 
determined that these minor changes:
    <bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Bombardier, Inc., has issued Service Bulletin 670BA-27-073, dated 
November 23, 2016. This service information describes procedures for 
replacement of the left and right rudder yoke assemblies. This service 
information is reasonably available because the interested parties have 
access to it through their normal course of business or by the means 
identified in the ADDRESSES section.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 48 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
              Action                      Labor cost             Parts cost           product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement of rudder yoke          51 work-hours x $85    Negligible...........          $4,335        $208,080
 assemblies.                         per hour = $4,335.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this AD may be 
covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected 
individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected 
individuals. As a result, we have included all available costs in our 
cost estimate.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation 
Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's 
authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in

[[Page 5901]]

air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and 
procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air 
commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because 
it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on 
products identified in this rulemaking action.
    This AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the 
Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by 
FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is 
normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but 
during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the 
authority to issue ADs applicable to transport category airplanes to 
the Director of the System Oversight Division.

Regulatory Findings

    We determined that this AD will not have federalism implications 
under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct 
effect on the States, on the relationship between the national 
government and the States, or on the distribution of power and 
responsibilities among the various levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 
12866,
    2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
    3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    4. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2018-03-11 Bombardier, Inc.: Amendment 39-19184; Docket No. FAA-
2017-0811; Product Identifier 2017-NM-068-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective March 19, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the airplanes identified in paragraphs 
(c)(1), (c)(2), and (c)(3) of this AD, certificated in any category.
    (1) Bombardier, Inc., Model CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 
700, 701, & 702) airplanes, serial number 10343.
    (2) Bombardier, Inc., Model CL-600-2D15 (Regional Jet Series 
705) airplanes and Model CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900) 
airplanes, serial numbers 15326 through 15370 inclusive.
    (3) Bombardier, Inc., Model CL-600-2E25 (Regional Jet Series 
1000) airplanes, serial numbers 19041 and 19042.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27, Flight 
controls.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a report of rudder yoke components that 
had not been properly inspected at the supplier. We are issuing this 
AD to prevent a cracked rudder yoke, which may affect rudder 
function on the affected side and could result in difficulties in 
maneuvering the airplane.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Replacement of Left and Right Rudder Yoke Assemblies

    Within 6,600 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, 
replace the left and right rudder yoke assemblies, in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 
670BA-27-073, dated November 23, 2016.

(h) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, New 
York ACO Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this 
AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In 
accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal 
inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. 
If sending information directly to the manager of the certification 
office, send it to ATTN: Program Manager, Continuing Operational 
Safety, FAA, New York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, 
Westbury, NY 11590; telephone: 516-228-7300; fax: 516-794-5531. 
Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal 
inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the 
local flight standards district office/certificate holding district 
office.
    (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD 
to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be 
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, New York ACO 
Branch, FAA; or Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA); or 
Bombardier, Inc.'s TCCA Design Approval Organization (DAO). If 
approved by the DAO, the approval must include the DAO-authorized 
signature.

(i) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) Canadian AD CF-2017-10, dated February 27, 2017, for related 
information. This MCAI may be found in the AD docket on the internet 
at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket 
No. FAA-2017-0811.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Aziz Ahmed, 
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe and Mechanical Systems Section, FAA, 
New York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 
11590; telephone: 516-228-7329; fax: 516-794-5531.

(j) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-27-073, dated November 23, 
2016.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Bombardier, Inc., 400 C[ocirc]te Vertu Road West, Dorval, 
Qu[eacute]bec H4S 1Y9, Canada; Widebody Customer Response Center 
North America toll-free telephone: 1-866-538-1247 or direct-dial 
telephone: 1-514-855-2999; fax: 514-855-7401; email: 
[email protected]; internet: http://www.bombardier.com.
    (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport 
Standards Branch, 1601 Lind Avenue SW, Renton, WA. For information 
on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 25, 2018.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-02356 Filed 2-9-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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